Author: Opalim Lifted

Xabi Alonso is an incredible talent from the new generation of managers, given his impressive run at Bayer Leverkusen, soon-to-depart Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has been linked to the upcoming opening at Anfield after Klopp announced last month that he would step down at the end of the season. Alonso guided Leverkusen from near the bottom of the Bundesliga to a five-point lead at the top within 16 months. The 42-year-old coach secured a spot in the German Cup semi-finals and notably defeated serial champions Bayern Munich 3-0 last weekend. “Xabi is…

FCT police arrested wanted kidnappers following a raid on their camps bordering Nasarawa and Abuja via Kuje area council on Thursday. Adeh said the bandits, on sighting the operatives, opened fire and engaged the police in a gun duel, but were eventually overpowered. He added that Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, who were abducted in Kuje Area Council, were rescued unhurt. The Force Public Relations of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh made a statement on Thursday. The statement read in part, “The operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to the anti-kidnapping unit, in a continued effort against…

The Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, informing him of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s alleged disdain for his yet-to-be-buried late predecessor and principal, Rotimi Akeredolu. Chronicle NG reports that Aiyedatiwa, the erstwhile deputy governor of Ondo State, was sworn in as governor following the death of Governor Akeredolu on December 27, 2023. The open letter to Tinubu was signed by six federal lawmakers, namely: Hon. Adesida Abiodun Cornelius (Akure North/South), Hon. Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Hon. Festus Adefiranye Ayodele (Ileoluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo), Hon. Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh (Ilaje/Ese-Odo), Hon. Odimayo…

Egypt has officially ditched the US dollar for local currencies. Egypt was one of five nations to accept an invitation to join the alliance at its 2023 summit. Subsequently, it has already firmly embraced its shift to local currency trade thus far, which is another sign of the unfolding BRICS de-dollarization plan. The BRICS expansion was the first time the alliance grew since 2001 and had massive geopolitical implications. Alongside Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ethiopia are expected to join the bloc. Now, Egypt has already expressed its desire to move away from the greenback…

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) vowed on Thursday to stop lifting petroleum products beginning next Monday due to the high cost of operations. Chronicle NG reports that Nigeria may witness another round of petrol scarcity when NARTO ceases operations on Monday. NARTO members have repeatedly raised concern over the high cost of diesel required to power their trucks for the transportation of petroleum products across the country. Oil marketers told reporters on Thursday that the price of diesel is between N1,250 and N1,400 per litre, depending on the area of purchase. NARTO’s President, Yusuf Othman, said in…

President Bola Tinubu met with the 36 state governors and FCT Minister on Thursday amid the food crisis, rising inflation, and the high cost of living in the nation to propose short-term solutions. Tinubu directed state governors to encourage local food producers to produce more and dismissed the ideas of importation and price control. The rising cost of essential commodities has led to protests in Kogi, Niger, and Kano State, and governors in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party recently said Nigeria was going the way of Venezuela with increasing poverty and starvation in the land. Nigerians in more states were…

The National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) has called on the Federal Government to promptly institute a Commodity Price Regulation Board aimed at overseeing the pricing of cement nationwide. The National President, NABMON, Mr Adesegun Banjoko, said that setting up the board and effectively implementing its recommendations on the prices of cement would address the continued rise in prices nationwide. He made the call in Lagos on Thursday. Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a two-day high-level strategic meeting on climate change, food systems, and resource mobilisation in Abuja, announced the Federal Government’s plan to set up a…

Northern traditional rulers and the Nigerian Bar Association on Wednesday decried the hardship in Tinubu’s administration precipitated by the fuel subsidy removal, which had resulted in higher transport costs and food inflation. The traditional rulers and the NBA asked the Federal Government to quickly address the situation, just as President Bola Tinubu will on Thursday (today) hold a closed-door meeting with state governors at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, to propose solutions to the economic crisis in the country. Two Presidency officials, who confided in newsmen on Wednesday, stated that the meeting with the governors would be held before the…

Kylian Mbappe marked his return from injury with a goal as Paris St-Germain took control of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad. The French champions have an underwhelming Champions League record and were enduring a frustrating night until Mbappe pounced. Having missed his side’s previous match with an ankle problem, Kylian scored at the back post after a corner. Bradley Barcola added the second with a lovely finish past Alex Remiro. Real Sociedad keeper Remiro had earlier denied Kylian a second when he tipped his attempt on to the crossbar. Madrid ditch Mbappe for Haaland, Arsenal bid £22m…

Guinness World Records (GWR) on Wednesday sent an inspirational message to Valentine lovers, urging them to break records, not break hearts, as people celebrate February 14 globally. Chronicle reports that GWR message was intended to remind lovers of their bond. This year’s lovers day celebration coincided with Ash Wednesday, which is observed by Christian faithful. GWR, in a social media post, wrote, “Break records, not hearts. Happy Valentine’s Day!” Guinness World Records (GWR) is a notable organization that awards record breakers with plague for global recognition in acceptable reality events after rigorous assessment. Five ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day and…